Cotton Service Award honors Bruce Heiden

Bruce Heiden, a former National Cotton Council president and board chairman, is the recipient of the 2006 Harry S. Baker Distinguished Service Award for Cotton. He was recognized at the National Cotton Council's 2007 recent annual meeting in Austin, Texas.

The Arizona cotton, alfalfa and grain producer was honored for his leadership and service to agriculture. Heiden became NCC board chairman in 1990 after serving as NCC president in 1989. He also was the first Arizonan to be elected as board chairman of CALCOT, having served in that capacity from 1995-2003.

He also has been chairman of the Committee for the Advancement of Cotton's Steering Committee since 1992.

Heiden's years at the NCC's helm were marked by: (1) the successful passage of the 1990 farm law, which included an improved marketing loan, (2) legislation to provide an increase in Cotton Incorporated's funding, and (3) a significant expansion in program activities and funding for Cotton Council International.

Outgoing NCC Chairman Allen Helms said, “Those who are close to Bruce know that he is someone who is quick to attribute success to others rather than discuss his own accomplishments, which are numerous. He is always quick to give credit to others.”

Heiden was inducted into the National Cotton Hall of Fame in 1996.

He and his wife, Helen, have four children, all of whom are involved in family businesses.

Heiden's operations, near Buckeye and Gila Bend, Ariz., include H Four Farms and Heiden Land and Cattle Company, a cattle-feeding business.

The Baker Award, named for the late Harry S. Baker, California industry leader and NCC president, is presented annually to “a deserving individual who has provided extraordinary service, leadership and dedication to the U.S. cotton industry.”